2017 Energy Savers Wave Award – Association of Environmental Authorities

Retained by Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority (TRMUA) to provide design, bidding, and construction administration services for an innovative renewable energy project that consisted of the installation of a 120.15 kW net-metered solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of the TRMUA administration building and the maintenance garages at their main facility. The project team included Colliers Engineering & Design and the solar developer Eznergy.

The team first conducted a feasibility study, during which they developed a preliminary PV system design, estimated the annual electricity production in kilowatt hours (kWh) compared to the TRMUA facility’s historical electrical usage, estimated overall project capital costs, developed a project economic summary, and calculated the project’s environmental benefits. The study concluded that the system capacity of 122.43 kilowatts (kW) was appropriate. The estimated annual electricity production is 142,707 kWh over 12 months, compared to TRMUA’s 213,336 kWh historical usage. The project provides both short-term and long-term economic and environmental benefits. The use of solar panels will generate revenue through the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) and will reduce TRMUA’s energy costs, resulting in lower operating expenses. It also reduces the Authority’s electricity use and thereby reduces greenhouse gas emissions.